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Published on: June 5, 2012
Portal system peculiarities may contribute to resistance against schistosomes in 129/J mice
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Using the technique of latex microsphere injection into a mesenteric vein, evidence has been obtained for a 'leaky' portal system in 129/J mice maintained in this institute (WEHI 129/J) and also in C57BL/6 mice. Thus, 20-microns beads injected into the portal venous system of BALB/c and (BALB/cx129/J)F1 mice are trapped efficiently in the liver whereas in many 129/J and C57BL/6 mice the bulk of the injected beads is found in the lungs. Peculiarities in the hepatic portal system may thus contribute to resistance of WEHI 129/J mice (and to a lesser extent C57BL/6 mice) to infection with Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum. The possibility is raised by the data that increased access to, or residency times in, the lungs increases opportunities for expression of anti-schistosome immune responses and, in particular, the effects of recently described T-cell-initiated inflammatory responses in this organ. The variability within groups of WEHI 129/J and C57BL/6 mice in susceptibility to schistosomes as well as hepatic trapping of injected microspheres suggests that an infection of unknown type, proposed by others, contributes to the several peculiarities that have been described in at least 129/J mice.
Insights
A leaky portal system in 129/J and C57BL/6 mice allows microspheres to reach the lungs, potentially increasing resistance to Schistosoma infection by enhancing immune responses in the lungs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Mouse Models
Background:
- The hepatic portal system's function is crucial for liver-based immune surveillance.
- Variations in portal system integrity can impact immune cell trafficking and host defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the integrity of the hepatic portal system in different mouse strains.
- To explore the relationship between portal system 'leakiness' and resistance to Schistosoma infection.
Main Methods:
- Latex microsphere injection into the mesenteric vein of various mouse strains (BALB/c, 129/J, C57BL/6, (BALB/cx129/J)F1).
- Tracking of microsphere distribution in liver and lungs to assess portal system integrity.
- Correlation of microsphere distribution with susceptibility to Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum infection.
Main Results:
- BALB/c and (BALB/cx129/J)F1 mice efficiently trapped microspheres in the liver, indicating a functional portal system.
- 129/J and C57BL/6 mice exhibited microsphere leakage, with a significant portion found in the lungs.
- This 'leakiness' correlated with increased resistance to Schistosoma infection in 129/J and C57BL/6 mice.
Conclusions:
- A 'leaky' hepatic portal system in certain mouse strains may enhance anti-schistosome immunity.
- Increased microsphere access to the lungs may promote T-cell-mediated inflammatory responses against Schistosoma.
- Unknown infections might contribute to observed variations in portal system integrity and disease susceptibility in 129/J mice.
